DNA Testing - know the In's and Out's of it. Genetic Genealogy, a new branch of genealogy combining genetics and traditional genealogy research, is the most accurate tool for the family historian. Family connections can be proven or disproven. DNA testing can support a paper trail which is often in question given the lack of surviving records. Its popularity grows daily with thousands testing monthly throughout the world.

25 November 2008

Family Tree DNA just sent a post to all of its administrators, and I'm pleased to inform you that the company has announced their annual Holiday gift to all of us. They have reduced their prices until December 31. See the email below.

Please share this information with anyone you know interested in testing. Perhaps you want to get a holiday gift for someone you wish to test. Perhaps you wish to keep a kit on hand for visiting your family. You can order the test now and return it when you find a tester, also. If you are having a family reunion in 2009, now would be the time to order several kits to have on hand. If you do not expose the kit to heat, it will last without a problem.

Let me know if you have any questions.

You can also share these steps for ordering a test. GFO is a local genealogical society that takes Ydna and mtDNA for anyone, and you do not have to be a member. I run this group, also, so I can help your tester. By going through my blog you allow the company to give me a few cents on the dollars you spend. This keeps up my spirits! LOL

To order a DNA test and receive the reduced price you must go through an existing project...1. Go to: http://genealem-geneticgenealogy.blogspot.com/2. Go to the bottom right and click on the FTDNA icon.3. Where it says SEARCH on the right side, type in GFO (or your surname for male testers, if there is an established project at FTDNA for that surname.)4. On the next page, click on GFO (or the appropriate surname, if there is a current project.) 5. Complete the form. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on JOIN.

Email me if you have questions before you order your test.

NOTE: IF you do not see the FTDNA icon on the right of this blog, email me directly at: aulicino@hevanet.com

Family Tree DNA wrote:

Dear Family Tree DNA Group Administrator,

In keeping with our end-of-the-year tradition, effective November 26th, 2008 we'll institute special pricing at Family Tree DNA for your new-kit-purchasing participants. The products that will be offered at the special prices are:

20 November 2008

Most people who attend a DNA lecture for the first time walk away with more questions than they may have had before the presentation. That definitely sounds as if understanding DNA is greatly difficult or the presenter cannot deliver the information in an understandable form. In truth, understanding how DNA testing works and how it benefits genealogy is very simple once you learn the language.

If you have taken a foreign language you know that repetition is one of the best ways to retain the knowledge. You also know that you cannot learn a great deal in one session. These are true of understanding Genetic Genealogy, the use of DNA Testing to aid traditional genealogical research.

SO…how do you push this new language into your brain?

Like learning a new language, you must understand some new words. Although there are hundreds of terms associated with DNA, the average person only needs to know a few basic ones.

1. Y-chromosome DNA (Y-dna) – The sex chromosome which determines that a person is male. Men have both their father’s Y-chromosome and their mother’s X chromosome. Women have an X chromosome from their father and one from their mother. The Y-chromosome has passed from father to son virtually unchanged since mankind began. This is why we can test a living male and determine the DNA signature of his all male line (top line of a pedigree chart) back to the beginning. These tests are referred to as Ydna tests. There are several levels of Ydna tests and each designates the number of markers which are tested. For example, Family Tree DNA tests 12, 25, 37, and 67 markers on the Y-chromosome.

2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) – The mitochondria is outside the nucleus of a cell. It contains 16,568 base pairs. The part of the mitochondria that is tested for genealogy purposes is the non-coding/control region, meaning it rarely changes or mutates. This is the part that is used as a check to make sure the copy process worked. It does have a function. Most people test the parts are called the Hyper Variable Region 1 and 2 (HVR1 and HVR2). Testing the full sequence includes HVR1, HVR2, and the coding region. This is the only definitive mtDNA test. It is scary though because it may reveal medical information. One medical problem that comes from a bad mtDNA mutation is LHON. You can read about LHON here:http://www.ifond.org/lhon.php3

Both males and females have mitochondria. Only the females can pass it to the next generation, however. That is to say, a mother gives all her children her mitochondrial DNA, but only the daughters can pass it to the next generation. For this reason we can test the mtDNA of a living person and determine the DNA signature of his or her all female line (bottom line on a pedigree chart) back to the beginning. Tests for the mitochondrial are often called mtDNA tests and can either involve the HVR1 or both the HVR1 and HVR2 and are numbered as follows:

3. Autosomal DNA (atDNA) – The 44 non-sex chromosomes. These chromosomes recombine or mix together differently (re-code) with every conception. This is why you look like a sibling or other relative, but not exactly, unless you are identical twins. This part of the DNA is not useful for genealogy, but very useful in determining paternity or sibling relationships. The atDNA also contains your health issues…at least those known currently by scientists.

4. Allele – The term used for the result of a tested marker. In Ydna, the number for the specific marker is the allele (Ex: DYS 393 has a 13). In mtDNA the marker results is the chemical bases. (Ex: 156G)

5. Haplotype – a set of allele values (i.e., the result of a DNA test) for a group of markers. This is your DNA signature. If the test was a Ydna test, then the set of values are a series of numbers, one each for each marker tested. If the test was an mtDNA test, then the results is show with a letter of one of the chemical bases. Only the mutations that occur when the mtDNA is compared to the Cambridge Reference System are designated.

6. Haplogroup – a group of similarly patterned Haplotypes which share a common ancestor as defined by a unique event polymorphism (one type mutation) at a specific locus (location). It is a tester’s twig on the World Family Tree (Phylogenetic Tree). Haplogroup names are a series of letters and numbers, starting with a letter. For example: R1b1b2. This is a Y-dna haplogroup and each letter and number indicates a smaller branch. That is, R is the branch of the World Family Tree and the one following the R is the subset under that R branch. This means there is an R2 as well. Then the next letter, b, is a subset of R1. This means there is an R1a, also.

There are haplogroups for mtDNA which are designed the same way. For example: U5a1a. This means the U branch on the World Family Tree and the twig from it is 5. Therefore, there is a U1 twig, a U2 twig, etc.NOTE: Do not compare the haplogroups for Ydna with mtDNA…they were developed separately. They are apples and oranges.

7. Phylogenetic Tree – The pedigree chart for every man or every woman in the world…The World Family Tree. Just like genealogists have a pedigree chart, all of mankind and womankind each has a pedigree chart. The chart cannot use surnames as surnames were created after DNA groups were determined; therefore, a series of letters and numbers are used. Geneticists have been able to determine the order of development of these branches and twigs on this tree. Groups on the Phylogentic Tree have "names" such as: R1b2, I2b, K2.

8. DNA Chemical Bases – DNA is made up of four chemical bases: Adenine, Cystosine, Guanine, and Thymine. These are abbreviated A, C, G, and T. They are always in pairs, and they always pair the same way. A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

9. Mutation – a change in any marker. Mutations in the autosomal markers could result in situations damaging to the species, but mutations in the non-coding region do no harm. The markers tested for genealogy are in the non-coding region and include the HVR1 and HVR2 for the mtDNA and specific markers of the Ydna.

10. STR – Short Tandem Repeat. A short pattern of the four chemical bases repeated in tandem (next to each other). The number of times this sequence is repeated determines the allele (result) of the marker. For example: GATAGATAGATA is a pattern repeated three times. Thus the marker result (allele) would be 3. Markers are known to repeat their patterns more times than three, however. Each marker has a range in which it repeats. That is, DYS 393 is known to repeat its pattern from 9-17 times, so the result of that marker in a tested person could be any number from 9-17.

11. SNP (pronounced “snip”) – Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. This is a mutation (change) in the marker of a nucleotide. Nucleotides are unique markers in the genome. For example the chemical basis G (Guanine) may change to a T (Thymine). This is done only once in this nucleotide, and these changes determine what haplogroup a person is. There is no harm to the species with this change. SNPs have unique names, such as M207 or P224. The test is either positive or negative for the particular SNP, and this helps determine where a tester is on the Phylogenetic Tree. A person can have a SNP test to determine the detailed twig on their haplogroup branch. That is, testing various SNPs helps determine if you are a U5 or a U5a1a. The more SNPs tested, the more detailed the haplogroup will be.

12. DYS (DNA Y-chromosome Segment) – a locus (location) on the Y-chromosome. Examples of the names for the markers for the Ydna, include DYS 393; DYS CDYa; and DYS 464c.

13. Cambridge Reference System (CRS) – The first sequence completed for the human mtDNA and is now been corrected or revised and is called the Revised Cambridge Reference System. Everyone uses the acronym CRS, however. The sequence contains 16,568 base pairs and was recorded at Cambridge, England, hence the name. All mtDNA results are compared to the CRS, and only the differences from that comparison are recorded as the test result. You can see the entire sequence by using the link listed below. Marker result for mtDNA gives the number of the marker (from 1 to 16,568) and then the letter of the chemical bases that mutated). For example: 15326G

14. DNA Project – An established group of tested people. DNA Projects include those with a specific surname and its variant spellings for males. For both male and females there are haplogroup projects, geographical projects, and ethnic projects. Not every testing company offers this variety of projects, so investigate the various companies and what they offer before testing.

The benefits from these projects do vary. For a surname project a male can determine if they do descend along their all male line with this surname. Sometimes one finds there was a Non-Parental Event (adoption, illegitimate birth, name change, etc.) For the geographical projects, you may find close relationships to a geographic location which could help direct you in your genealogy research. For haplogroup projects your haplotype (DNA signature) can help those interested in the migration patterns of our most ancient ancestors understand more.With ethnic groups, a collection of haplotypes also provides more data to further the understanding of various cultural groups. Often project managers analyze the data and develop hypotheses which helps further the study of DNA and how it can help genealogy.

Besides reading the above definitions, Google the terms on the Internet to find variations which will help you better understand as you can view different ways the term is explained.

Once you learn some vocabulary of a foreign language you are ready to form phrases and sentences. The same is true of Genetic Genealogy. Using the above terms, the following sentences are true, and you only need to complete the statement with the above word that fits correctly. Can you answer them without looking at the above list or the answers below?

1. What are the three types of DNA which can be tested?

2. What are the four types of DNA Projects?

3. What is the collective result of a DNA test called besides a DNA signature?

4. What is your twig on the Phylogenetic tree is called?

5. Males can test their all male lines (the top line of their pedigree charts) with which test?

6. Females and males can test their all female line (bottom line bottom line of their pedigree chart) with which test?

7. Which test is least useful test for genealogy, but the best test for paternity?

8. What is the result of testing a specific DNA marker is called?

9. What determines the number (ex: the 25 for DYS 447) in the result of a marker tested for Ydna?

10. What is CRS?

11. What is DYS mean and which test has them?

12. What is a mutation?

13. What is the Phylogenetic Tree?

14. What is the difference between coding (recombining) and non-coding markers? Which are used for genealogy?

Lastly, you are ready to begin reading more about Genetic Genealogy. You can refer to the articles on this blog; however, there are many online tutorials and books which can help you. Remember to treat them like a reference book and not the “Great American Novel.” Mark in the books if you own them. Print out what you want from the online tutorials. Review the information from time to time to keep your new foreign language readily available.

A list of recommended books and online tutorials can be found in the archives of this blog for February 2007, but they are repeated here for your convenience.

Family Tree DNA Tutorialhttp://www.familytreedna.com/dna101.htmlThis contains a large variety of information on testing. Click on SITE MAP at the bottom of the page to better locate desired information.

International Society of Genetic Genealogist (ISOGG)http://www.isogg.org/Email list of Newbies -- anyone interested in Genetic Genealogy can join and ask any question on the email list.Email list for Administrators with many links and files to help them.(Join ISOGG today. There is no cost. Tell them you learned of it from Emily's Blog.)

Answers:1. Ydna, mtDNA and atDNA2. Surname, Geographical, Ethnic, and Haplogroup3. Haplotype4. Haplogroup5. Ydna6. mtDNA7. atDNA8. allele9. STRs…the number of times a short pattern of checmical basis repeats itself10. Cambridge Reference System – the first testing of the entire mitochondria.11. DNA Y-chromosome Segment. Ydna12. any change in a marker13. The World Family Tree14. Coding markers recombine with every conception while non-coding markers remain virtually the same over time. Non-coding is best for genealogy as you want consistency over time.

01 November 2008

People who wish to test their Ydna often ask which test its best. First you have to determine what your goal is and then find the test that best meets it.

As genealogists, we want our test to further our research; therefore, it is imperative that the test be helpful within a genealogical time frame. The following numbers of markers that are tested give results which are and are not within genealogical time. Although the following are the tests provided by Family Tree DNA, any testing company using about that number of markers will produce a similar result. However, note that at this time, no other company tests 67 markers on the Y chromosome, except Family Tree DNA.

Thus chart indicates the time frame for a match within a set of markers.

DNA TMRCA (Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor) and Probability to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA)

12 marker Ydna test tells you only about your most ancient ancestry....over 600 yrs ago and before surnames. The Genographic Project uses only the 12 marker for males as they are only interested in tracking the migration pattern of our most ancient ancestors. Their project is an anthropological study; not a genealogical one, but in time their data will help us.

25 marker match gives you a 95% probability of having a common ancestor within the last 600 yrs.

37 marker match gives you a 95% probability of having a common ancestor within the last 300 yrs.

67 marker match gives you a 95% probability of having a common ancestor within the last 150-200 yrs.

This means that the 37 marker and the 67 marker are the genealogists’ best choices as they fall withing a genealogical time frame. Prior to 600 years ago some cultures did not establish surnames. Actually, the Irish were probably the oldest culture and they began around 1000 years ago. However, the Welsh, the Jews and many others hae only had surnames for the last few hundred hears..

Although one can order the lesser number of markers (37) and upgrade at any time to a 67 marker test, the cost is a bit more than the difference between the two. There are also good reasons to update to a 67 marker and, in cases, reasons not to bother, at least until it is necessary.

So why upgrade to a 67 marker?

The following information will help the tester determine if a 67 marker is important to your goals.

It is important to know that a Ydna 67 marker test can:

* further refine the estimate of how closely related two individuals are.

* help groups of related testers find mutations which identify sub-branches in the family.

The following scenarios are good reasons to upgrade to a 67 marker:

If you are a member of a group of closely related testers with a good 37 marker match, but there is no paper trial to connect the croup, it may be wise to upgrade as:

If you are a member of a group with many mutations (more than the usually number…i.e., more than 3 with a 37 marker) and you think you are closely related with the paper trail.

* The marker increase may not increase the mutations.

* The marker mutations may increase, pushing the common ancestor too far away from the group.

* The marker mutations may help bridge the mutations within the group. Often this happens when you find a family who has many mutations and the paper trail supports a good connection. Some families do mutate more often than others. Finding more testers for the family may bridge the gap between those who have greater genetic differences. A 67 marker may also show the testers re closely related as the markers from 38-67 have few to no mutations. The more markers tested the greater number of genetic differences can be accepted for still being a close relationship.

The following times back to the MRCA when ALL the markers match are based in the latest results of the mutation rate study conducted by the University of Arizona.

For example, with 37/37 match there is a 50% probability that the MRCA was no longer than 2 generations, and a 90% probability that the MRCA was within the last 5 generations.

Compare these with 25 and 12 -- with 25 markers, there is a 50% probability that the MRCA was within the last 3 generations, while with 12 markers, there is a 50% probability that the MRCA was within the last 7 generations.

Emily Aulicino

Genetic Genealogist

Welcome to My Genetic Genealogy Blog

Genetic Genealogy is a wonderful resource for the family genealogist or historian and is growing daily! From time to time I will post URLs and books that can be helpful. My blog is my personal venture and is selective in its contents. It is not a reflection of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy.

I am the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG*) and manage twelve DNA Projects and several email lists on Rootsweb and Yahoo. I am available to speak at any function regarding Genetic Genealogy and on writing one's memories and family stories. ......For my DNA Projects, I prefer using Family Tree DNA. You can order a test kit by clicking on the FTDNA logo below.

You are welcome to email me at: aulicino@hevanet.com using the Blog's name in the subject line, if you have any comments or questions.

-------*ISOGG is a non-profit organization designed solely to promote and educate the public about DNA testing in regard to genealogy. Membership is free, but tell them that Emily sent you! See: www.isogg.org --------------

Best wishes and visit often,Emily

Presentation Topics

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy: DNA Your Paper Trail

Autosomal DNA and Chromosome Mapping

Becoming a DNA Project Manager

Care and Feeding of a DNA Project

Establishing a DNA Interest Group

Writing Your Childhood and Family Memories: A simple technique

NOTE: Custom Topics available upon request

Genetic Genealogy: The Basics and Beyond by Emily D. Aulicino

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Publish at AuthorHouse

Family Tree DNA - Click Logo to order a test

To Order at DNA test kit from FTDNA through this blog

...1. Click on the FTDNA icon search button (above)....2. Enter the _(your surname here)_ surname in the upper right where it says: SEARCH...3. On the next page, click on the surname you chose in #2....4. Follow any instructions. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on JOIN.

NOTE: If you are not certain there is a DNA project for your surname or if you are only testing your mtDNA (female line), put the name: CAMPANIA in the search field. This is one of my projects, and I will find you an appropriate project when your results arrive...........You want to join through a project to get the cheapest rates.

To subscribe, click on POST arrow.

Followers

Presentations

.....Presentations for both the Genetic Genealogy and for the writing sessions are normally two hours, but can be adapted. I prefer an computer projector for with a screen and a table for displaying my DNA book and/or writing booklet......Your group can photocopy the handouts or I will do so for $.05 per side. If speaking within the general area of Portland, Oregon I do not charge for mileage or travel expenses. Outside of the general Portland area, I do require the IRS amount of $.56 per mile. If I need to stay over night, a motel room or staying with a non-smoking female will be necessary......Although, as a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG), I cannot ask for a speaker's fee for the Genetic Genealogy presentations, but I can accept an honorarium. This is not the case with the writing classes. $75 is the standard.Email: aulicino@hevanet.com

Recommendations and Compliments

Genetic Genealogy

"Emily Aulicino is one of the most dynamic people I know. Her energy and enthusiasm has helped make Oregon the largest member per capita region in all of ISOGG. Emily’s educator background is apparent and complimentary to her speaking engagements which create a presentation that is easy-to-understand for any novice. Her reputation has made her an immensely popular speaker throughout the Pacific Northwest which has resulted in nationwide requests. Emily is a proven leader who welcomes a challenge. She manages many people and projects with skill and ability that can only be innate. I have the utmost confidence that Emily will excel at any task presented to her and I look forward to many more years working with her."-------Katherine Borges, Director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

Unsolicited Comments:

Barbara in Washington wrote:I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you how impressed I was with your lectures today. They were fun and up, and you were able to explain the DNA process to me in terms that I could understand.

"Memoing" My Memories

130 Topic Booklet for Sale

"Memoing" My Memories - Unsolicited Testimony

Rhonda in Oregon writes:The writing tip you gave us Thursday is great! I went right to my stash of journals (I have trouble journaling, but love the books!), and made a page for every year since my birth year.I’m very excited to start writing my memories down. Thanks again for a fantastic tip!!

Anne in Michigan writes:"So many times I have sat down and tried to write out my life's story. I got so bored with myself that I never got more than a few pages done. This method has totally changed my outlook and has renewed my lifelong interest to write about my life so that my children will have something to remember me by.I am psyched, pumped and ready to go now!”

Beth in Texas writes:“I am finding the topics very helpful in writing about things I would have never thought about before. These topics give me an opportunity not to dwell on the unhappy times in my life, and remember some of the less important, but memorable topics that I'd like to pass on to my children. I'll still write about unhappy times, but they will be sprinkled in with other memories.”

Jan in Kentucky writes:“Emily, you do so very much for so many, and it is so appreciated! You also have broken my writing block, and I appreciate that...if not for you, I don't know that I would have had the heart to return to it. You truly are doing a lot of good with that list of yours and the effects will be known for years and generations for so many. I think sometimes we just need to tell you that.”

Bob in Sherwood, Oregon writes:THANKS to you I started writing my "story" last Friday. If it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't have started it. It's all your fault...You, You, "Inspirator", You! Telling usto write in "pictures". If I started it prior to your presentation it would have begun... "I was born on October 29, 1944 in Jamestown, New York". Needless to say you had a GREAT impact on my writing.

Bill in New Jersey writes:Just a short note to says thanks to you, Emily, for the prompts. I especially like the way in which you write the suggestions to go along with the prompts.

Books About Childhood Memories and Family Stories

As most of you know I seldom read fiction, and as a result, I am interested in books that are historical in nature and/or tell the stories of people's lives. The following list is some books that I have read which are by people I know, people who are related to me, people I have met, and people with whom I've corresponded for a time. Proudly, I have each author's autograph, and I'm beginning to think of this as a new collection/hobby of mine! .

Each of these stories have great struggles and challenges. Some are of childhood while others occurred when the author was an adult. I hope that you will find them interesting as I have. They are truly a slice of our American Life!

Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by Mary Pacios

Son of Scarface: A Memoir by the Grandson of Al Capone by Chris W. Knight

Run Jane Run: A True Story of Murder and Courage by Jane Wells

Somehow, We'll Survive: Life in Japan During World War II Through The Eyes of a Young Caucasian Boy by George Sidline

About Me

Emily is available for Presentations regarding Writing Your Family Memories and Childhood Stories.
----- Learn to WRITE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY MEMORIES using a quick and simple technique. Learn various organizational ideas and writing tips. ------- BOOK FOR SALE on writing your memories at workshops or by mail (Spiral bound; 144 pages on heavy vellum; 130 topics with writing tips and organizational ideas).
Emily is also available to give presentations on Genetic Genealogy. See the following blog for more information: http://genealem-geneticgenealogy.blogspot.com/
--------- EMAIL for further details on either topic:
aulicino@hevanet.com